Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part B (2025)

The liver is a vital organ responsible for numerous physiological functions, including macronutrient metabolism, protein synthesis, detoxification, and immunological regulation. Central to these processes are hepatocytes and other specialized hepatic cell types such as Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, and cholangiocytes, each playing distinct roles in maintaining hepatic homeostasis. Protein synthesis, a core hepatic function, is intricately regulated by both internal cellular machinery and external physiological cues. Disruptions in this function are commonly associated with pathologies such as cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and drug-induced liver injury.
This review provides a detailed examination of hepatic cellular architecture and protein synthesis pathways across physiological and pathological contexts. It particularly addresses underexplored dimensions such as the influence of hormonal stages (menstruation, pregnancy, menopause), aging, and micronutrient status—specifically deficiencies in vitamin D, B12, iron, and folate—on liver function. Special emphasis is placed on vitamin D deficiency, which affects over 1 billion individuals globally and is highly prevalent among women and the elderly. Data from the NFHS-5 (2021) and multicentric studies in India highlight disproportionately high deficiency rates in urban females and postmenopausal women, contributing to impaired liver enzyme activity and protein metabolism.
This review integrates molecular insights with epidemiological data, including a comparative table of global vitamin D deficiency prevalence, to emphasize the need for sex-sensitive and nutrient-informed approaches in hepatology. The findings advocate for broader diagnostic and therapeutic strategies that consider hormonal and nutritional interactions in liver health, with implications for personalized medicine and public health policy.